FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] This application claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/525,422, entitled "ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND FOR A TWO- WHEELED VEHICLE", which was filed on August 19, 201 1 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[002] T he instant invention relates generally to a kickstand for a vehicle having two ground-contacting wheels, such as for instance a motorcycle, and more particularly to a length-adjustable powered kickstand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Stands for motorcycles are well known and are typically of either a side-mount design or a center-mount design. The basic function of the stand is to support the motorcycle in an upright position when it is parked. The simplest types of stands require physical contact with a stand that is pivotally mounted to the motorcycle frame.

Accordingly, when a motorcycle is to be parked the operator is required to kick the stand to an operative extended position to support the motorcycle on the ground. The operator either needs to support the motorcycle with their feet or get off the motorcycle in order to deploy the stand into the operative position. Unfortunately, smaller operators may experience difficulty supporting and balancing a heavy motorcycle while at the same time deploying the stand by kicking it with their foot. As a result, the motorcycle may be dropped and damaged while the stand is being deployed.

[004] Another drawback that is associated with known motorcycle stands is that they may allow the motorcycle to tip over when parked on uneven or soft terrain. In the case of a side-mount stand, the motorcycle must lean toward the side on which the stand is mounted. As such, if the motorcycle leans at too great an angle due to uneven terrain then too much weight may be resting on the stand, causing it to sink into the ground and resulting in the motorcycle toppling over in the direction of the stand. Similarly, if the motorcycle does not lean against the stand by a sufficient amount due to uneven terrain, then the effects of wind or jostling by a passerby may result in the motorcycle topping over in the opposite direction.

[005] Stands are known that can be automatically deployed without requiring the operator to use their foot to kick the stand into the operative extended position. For instance, in United States Patent No. 7, 140,631 Ridley discloses an automatic stand for two- wheeled vehicles. The side-mounted stand is moved between an up position and a down position using an actuator that is controlled by a conveniently located switch. Ridley addresses the problem of balancing and supporting a motorcycle when the stand is being deployed. Unfortunately, the motorcycle is still susceptible to toppling over when it is parked on uneven and/or soft terrain.

[006J In United States Patent No. 7,584,979, Labonte et al. discloses a powered retractable motorcycle stand. A horizontal driven shaft is coupled to an electric motor, and gear reduction means are provided for transferring torque from the horizontal shaft to a vertical screw shaft that extends to a ground contact position and retracts into a protective housing. Unfortunately the vertical screw must be extended out of the protective housing when the motorcycle is parked. This exposes the threads of the vertical screw shaft to the elements and to mechanical damage. Foreign matter such as mud, sand, ice, salt, etc. may become lodged within the thread, making it difficult to retract the vertical screw shaft. Alternatively, the thread of the vertical screw shaft may be damaged due to impacts with concrete curbs, stones, etc. It is also a disadvantage that the stand does not pivot out of the ground contacting position in the way a manual kickstand does, since if there is a problem with either the electric motor or the gear train of the stand it may become impossible for the operator to retract the vertical screw shaft, thus rendering the motorcycle inoperable.

[007] It would be advantageous to provide a stand that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned limitations of the prior art. _.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[008] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the instant invention, there is provided a length-adjustable powered stand for a motorcycle, comprising: a mounting structure for attaching the stand to a frame of the motorcycle; a gear housing supported by the mounting structure; an outer support arm member extending from the gear housing, the outer support arm member being open at opposite ends thereof and having a longitudinal passage extending between said opposite ends, the longitudinal passage bounded by an inner surface having a linear slot defined along at least a portion of a length thereof in a direction extending along said length between said opposite ends; an inner support arm member having at least one open end and having a longitudinal passage extending from the at least one open end along at least a portion of a length of the inner support arm member, the inner support arm member being slidingly received within the longitudinal passage of the outer support arm member, and the inner support arm member having a key defined along an outer surface thereof for engaging the linear slot of the outer support arm member, such that the inner support arm member is radially keyed to the slot of the outer support arm member when the stand is in an assembled condition; a lead-screw extending from the gear housing, through the at least one open end of the inner support arm member, and into the longitudinal passage of the inner support arm member; a lead-screw nut in threaded engagement with the lead-screw and fixedly secured to the at least one open end of the inner support arm member; an actuator; and, a gear train disposed within the gear housing between the actuator and the lead- screw, for rotationally coupling the actuator and the lead screw.

[009] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the instant invention, there is provided a length-adjustable powered stand for a motorcycle, comprising: a support arm comprising an outer support arm member having a first longitudinal passage extending between first and second open ends thereof and an inner support arm member having at least one open end and having a second longitudinal passage, the inner support arm member slidingly received within the first longitudinal passage such that a length of the support arm is variable in a controllable fashion; a mounting structure for fixedly securing the support arm to a frame of the motorcycle; a rotatable shaft, a portion of which extends through the first open end of the outer support arm member and into the first longitudinal passage and through the at least one open end of the inner support arm member and into the second longitudinal passage; a linearly displaceable element mounted on the rotatable shaft for being driven in a first linear direction when the rotatable shaft rotates in a first direction and for being driven in a second linear direction that is opposite the first linear direction when the rotatable shaft rotates in a second direction that is opposite the first direction; and, an actuator operatively coupled with a first end of the rotatable shaft for selectably turning the rotatable shaft in the first direction and in the second direction; wherein the at least one open end of the inner support arm member is coupled to the linearly displaceable element, and wherein the inner support arm member is radially keyed to the outer support arm member, such that when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the first direction the inner support arm member is driven in the first linear direction with the linearly displaceable element for increasing the length of the support arm, and such that when the rotatable shaft is rotated in the second direction the inner support arm member is driven in the second linear direction with the linearly displaceable element for reducing the length of the support arm.

[0010] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the instant invention, there is provided a method of deploying stand for a motorcycle, comprising: positioning a length- adjustable support arm of the stand in a deployed position, the length-adjustable support arm comprising an inner support arm member that is slidingly received within and radially keyed to an outer support arm member, a ground contacting end of the inner support arm member not in contact with a ground surface when in the deployed position; using a controller, providing a control signal to an actuator of the length adjustable support arm; in response to the control signal, transferring rotational motion of the actuator for rotating in a first direction a lead-screw that is aligned along substantially a common longitudinal axis with the outer support arm member and the inner support arm member, there being a lead-screw nut mounted on the lead screw and mechanically coupled to an end of the inner support arm member that is opposite the ground contacting end, such that rotation of the lead-screw in the first direction drives the lead-screw nut and the inner support arm member along an extension direction; and, stopping the rotation of the lead-screw when an overall length of the outer support arm member and the inner support arm member is sufficient for supporting the motorcycle on the ground surface.

(0011 ] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the instant invention, there is provided a method of deploying the stand of claim 1 , comprising: providing a control signal for causing the actuator to turn in a first direction; transferring rotational motion of the actuator to the lead-screw via the gear train; driving the lead-screw nut along the lead- screw in a direction that is away from the gear housing and towards a ground surface disposed below the motorcycle, so as to extend the inner support arm member out of the outer support arm member in a telescoping fashion; and, stopping the rotation of the actuator in the first direction when the stand supports the motorcycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view showing a length-adjustable powered stand according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a lower section of the length-adjustable powered stand of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional top view taken through an upper section of the length-adjustable powered stand of FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section view taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. 3 ;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken along the line 5— 5 of FIG. 4;

[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view showing enhanced detail of FIG. 5; and,

[0019] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing the length-adjustable powered stand of FIG. 1 supporting a motorcycle on a ground surface. .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a length-adjustable powered stand 100, according to an embodiment of the instant invention. The stand 100 is mounted, via a mounting structure 102, to a frame 104 of a motorcycle in known fashion. The mounting structure 102 supports a gear housing 106, which houses a plurality of gears as is discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3. Extending from the gear housing 106 is an outer support arm member 108. Optionally, the outer support arm member 108 is formed integrally with the gear housing 106, or it is formed separately and then is mechanically coupled to the gear housing 106. A longitudinal passage extends along the length of the outer support arm member 108, within which an inner support arm member 1 10 is slidingly received. As is discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4-6, the inner support arm member 1 10 is radially keyed to the outer support arm member 108. In addition, a ground-contacting element 1 14 is provided at a ground-contacting end of the inner support arm 1 10.

[0021] An actuator 1 12, such as for instance a 12 V electric motor, is provided in operative communication with the inner support arm member 1 10 for controllably varying an overall length of the assembled-together outer support arm member 108 and inner support arm member 1 10. In particular, the actuator 1 12 is in communication with the inner support arm member 1 10 via the plurality of gears that is housed within the gear housing 106. When the actuator 1 12 is operated, the plurality of gears transfers a driving force to the inner support arm member 1 10, which causes the inner support arm member 1 10 to slide within the longitudinal passage and relative to the outer support arm member 108. Advancing the inner support arm member 1 10 out of the longitudinal passage increases the overall length of the stand 100, and retracting the inner support arm member 1 10 into the longitudinal passage reduces the overall length of the stand 100.

[0022] Referring still to FIG. 1 , the mounting structure 102 includes a pivot element (not shown) for supporting a pivoting movement of the stand 100 between a storage position in which the ground-contacting element 1 14 is not in contact with a ground surface, and a deployed position in which the ground-contacting element 1 14 is in contact with a ground surface. In the instant example, an operator of the motorcycle uses his or her foot to urge the stand 100 between the storage position and the deployed position. Optionally, an actuator is provided for pivoting the stand 100 between the storage position and the deployed position in an automated fashion. A mounting post (not shown) for a return spring is provided on the outer support arm member 108. The not illustrated return spring is for biasing the stand 100 in the storage position, and for assisting the pivoting movement between the deployed position and the storage position. Further, a not illustrated sensor is provided for sensing when the stand is in the deployed position. When the sensor senses that the stand 100 is in the deployed condition, the motorcycle is disabled and/or an indication of the deployed condition is provided to an operator of the motorcycle.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is an enlarged view of a lower section of the length-adjustable powered kickstand of FIG. 1. One end of the inner support arm member 1 10 is slidingly received within the longitudinal passage of the outer support arm member 108. The ground-contacting element 1 14 disposed at the other end of the inner support arm member 1 10 has a surface area that is larger than a cross-sectional surface area of the end of the inner support arm member 1 10. The larger surface area of the ground-contacting element 1 14 reduces the risk that the stand 100 will sink into the ground under the weight of the motorcycle.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a cross-sectional top view through an upper section of the length-adjustable powered stand of FIG. 1. In particular, the cross-section is taken through a gear housing 300 that houses a worm 302 and worm wheel 304. The worm 302 is coupled to an output shaft 306 of actuator 1 12, such as for instance a 12 V electric motor. The actuator 1 12 and the worm 302 are mounted in the same housing 300, in order to ensure concentricity. Additionally, the worm 302 and the worm wheel 304 are mounted in the same housing 300 for tolerance stack up purposes.

[0025J Also shown in FIG. 3 is one end of a lead-screw 308, the lead-screw 308 being coupled to the worm wheel 304. During use, the actuator 1 12 selectably turns the output shaft in either a first direction or in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The worm 302 meshes with the worm wheel 304, causing the worm wheel 304 and the lead-screw 308 to rotate about a common longitudinal axis, which extends along the length of the lead screw 308. In the example that is shown in FIG. 3, the worm 302 is a single-start worm.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-section view that is taken along the line 4—4 of FIG. 3. In the example that is shown in FIG. 4, the outer support arm member 108 and the gear housing 300 are formed as separate parts and are mechanically coupled together. For instance, one end of the outer support arm member 108 is provided with an external thread 400 for engaging an internal thread 402 of the gear housing 300. Of course, other suitable coupling mechanisms may be used instead of a threaded coupling.

[0027] Referring still to FIG. 4, the inner support arm member 1 10 is slidingly received within longitudinal passage 404 of the outer support arm member 108. Lead-screw 308 extends from the gear housing 300 and into the longitudinal passage 404. The inner support arm member 1 10 is also disposed within the longitudinal passage 404. As such, the outer support arm member 108, the inner support arm member 1 10 and the lead-screw 308 are generally concentrically aligned along a common longitudinal axis A A. A bushing 406 is provided at an end of the lead-screw 308 that is proximate the worm wheel 304. Ball-bearing assembly 408 supports the end of the lead-screw 308 that is proximate the worm wheel 304 in both the axial and radial directions. A linearly displaceable element, such as a lead-screw nut 410, is mounted on the lead-screw 308, and is fixedly secured to an end of the inner support arm member 1 10 that is opposite the ground-contacting end thereof.

[0028] A slot 412 is defined along the length of the outer support arm member 108 and facing toward the longitudinal passage 404. A key 414 that is provided on the inner support arm member 1 10 engages the slot 412, and moves within the slot 412 when the inner support arm member 1 10 is moved relative to the outer support arm member 108. The key 414 and slot 412 prevents rotational movement of the inner support arm member 1 10, and therefore of the lead-screw nut 410, relative to the outer support arm member 108. Since the lead-screw nut 410 cannot rotate relative to the outer support arm member 108, rotational movement of the lead-screw 308 forces the lead-screw nut 410 to travel along the length of the lead-screw 308. The inner support arm member 1 10 travels with the lead-screw nut 410, thereby advancing and retracting the inner support arm member 1 10 depending on the direction of operation of the actuator 1 12.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a cross-section view taken along line 5- 5 of FIG. 4. In addition, FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view showing enhanced detail of FIG. 5. The lead-screw 308 is shown disposed within a longitudinal passage 500 of the inner support arm member 1 10, which is itself disposed within longitudinal passage 404 of the outer support arm member 108. As discussed previously, the outer support arm member 108, the inner support arm member 1 10 and the lead-screw 308 are generally

concentrically aligned along a common longitudinal axis. Shown more clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6 is the radially extending key 414 of the inner support arm member 1 10, which is slidingly received within longitudinal slot 414 of the outer support arm member 108. The key 414 moves in the longitudinal direction, parallel the common longitudinal axis A— A. Since the inner support arm member 1 10 is radially keyed to the outer support arm member 108, when actuator 1 12 turns the lead-screw 308 in either the first or the second direction, the lead-screw nut 410 (not illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) travels along the lead- screw 308. The inner support arm member 1 10 is fixedly secured to the lead-screw nut 410 and therefore travels with the lead-screw nut. Thus, the lead-screw 308 and the outer support arm member 108 are fixed in the longitudinal direction, and the inner support arm member 1 10 slidingly travels within the space between the lead-screw 308 and the outer support arm member 108.

[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a specific and non-limiting example in which the outer support arm member 108 and the inner support arm member 1 10 are generally circular in a cross-section that is taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A A.

Optionally, the outer support arm member 108 and the inner support arm member 1 10 have non-circular cross-sectional shape. Further optionally, the inner support arm member 1 10 is radially keyed to the outer support arm member 108 at more than one location. ,

[0031] Of course, a not illustrated control mechanism such as for instance a three-way switch is also disposed on the motorcycle to which the stand 100 is mounted. The three positions of the three-way switch are "up," "stop" and "down." Alternatively, another suitable type of control mechanism is provided instead of a three-way switch, such as for instance a two-button controller. In the case of a two-button controller, one button is "up" and the other button is "down." The three way switch or other suitable type of control mechanism is provided in communication with the stand 100 via not illustrated cables, or wirelessly.

[0032] Use of the stand 100 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7, which shows a motorcycle 700 being supported on a ground surface 702 using the length- adjustable powered stand 100 of FIG. 1. When an operator wishes to park the motorcycle 700, the stand 100 is moved from the storage position into the deployed position as is shown in FIG. 7. This may be done by kicking the stand 100 with a foot, much in the same manner as for a non-powered fixed length stand. If the stand 100 supports the motorcycle 700 at an appropriate lean angle, when the ground-contacting element 1 14 is in contact with the ground, then it is not necessary to adjust the overall length of the stand 100. If on the other hand the lean angle of the motorcycle is judged to be either too large or too small, then the overall length of the stand 100 should be adjusted so that the center of gravity of the motorcycle is shifted away from the vertical plane, V, in the direction that the motorcycle 700 is leaning. In practice, the operator of the motorcycle 700 selects empirically a lean angle that is within a predetermined range of lean angles, such as for instance between about 5° and about 20° as measured relative to the vertical plane, V, such that the stand 100 exerts an amount of pressure on the ground surface 702 that is suitable for supporting the motorcycle 700. By selecting a lean angle that is within the predetermined range of lean angles, the operator is able to avoid situations in which the stand 100 exerts an amount of pressure the ground surface that is either too small or too large, thereby reducing the risk that the motorcycle 700 will topple over. In the specific and non-limiting example that is shown in FIG. 7, the motorcycle 700 is supported at a lean angle of about 12.5° using the stand 100. As will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, the actual lean angle that is selected depends upon a number of factors, such as for instance the type of motorcycle 700 that is being supported using the stand 100. In addition, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the need to adjust the overall length of the stand 100 may occur for a number of different reasons, such as for instance when the motorcycle is to be parked on uneven or soft terrain, or in windy conditions, etc.

[0033] When the lean angle of the motorcycle is judged to be too large, then the overall length of the stand 100 must be increased. The three-way switch is moved to the "down" position, which sends a first control signal to the actuator 1 12 causing the actuator 1 12 to turn in a first direction for extending the inner support arm member 1 10 relative to the outer support arm member 108. The three-way switch is moved to the "stop" position when an appropriate lean angle is achieved, and the actuator 1 12 is caused to stop turning in the first direction. With the ground-contacting element 1 14 resting on the ground surface, the stand 100 supports the weight of the motorcycle. Due to the use of the worm 302 and worm gear 304, the weight of the motorcycle pressing down on the stand 100 does not backdrive the actuator 1 12, such that the overall length of the stand 100 is fixed. When the operator wishes to operate the motorcycle at some later time, the stand 100 is moved from the deployed position back into the storage position in the same manner as for a non-powered fixed length stand. Of course, a not-illustrated deployed sensor prevents operation of the motorcycle or provides a warning signal to the operator when the stand 100 is deployed.

[0034] Conversely, when the lean angle of the motorcycle is judged to be too small, the overall length of the stand 100 must be decreased. The three-way switch is moved to the "up" position, which sends a second control signal to the actuator 1 12 causing the actuator 1 12 to turn in a second direction for retracting the inner support arm member 1 10 relative to the outer support arm member 108. The three-way switch is then moved to the "stop" position when an appropriate lean angle is achieved, and the actuator 1 12 is caused to stop turning in the second direction. With the ground-contacting element 1 14 resting on the ground surface, the stand 100 supports the weight of the motorcycle. Due to the use of the worm 302 and worm gear 304, the weight of the motorcycle pressing down on the stand 100 does not backdrive the actuator 1 12, such that the overall length of the stand 100 is fixed. When the operator wishes to operate the motorcycle at some later time, the stand 100 is moved from the deployed position back into the storage position in the same manner as for a non-powered fixed length stand. Of course, a not-illustrated deployed sensor prevents operation of the motorcycle or provides a warning signal to the operator when the stand 100 is deployed.

[0035] The operation of the stand 100 may optionally be partially automated. For instance, a sensor and/or a level indicator may be provided for assisting the operator during deploying of the stand 100. The sensor may act to automatically stop the extension or retraction of the inner support arm member 1 10 when the weight of the motorcycle exerts a predetermined force on the stand. The level indicator may be used to manually judge when the stand has been extended or retracted sufficiently far to cause the motorcycle to lean at a predetermined angle, or to automatically extend or retract the stand until the predetermined angle is achieved.

[0036] Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the instant invention.